Sony MHC-450 User manual

SONY.
Mint Hi-Fi
Component System
Operating Instructions
lise
FA-B471

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or moisture.
For the customers in the U. S. A.
CAUTION) TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
D0 NOT REMOVE COVEH (OF BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS (INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the rear panel.
Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product
Model No.MHC-450 Serial No.
INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye
hazard.
Note to CATV system installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's
attention to Article 820 - 40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground
shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close
to the point of cable entry as practical
For the Customers in Canada
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS
POLARIZED
AC
PLUG
WITH
AN
EXTENSION
CORD,
RECEPTACLE
OR
OTHER
OUTLET
UNLESS
THE
BLADES
CAN
BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
For the customers except in the U.S.A. and Canada.
Laser component in this product is capable of emitting radiation
exceeding the limit for Class 1.
This appliance is classified as a
CLASS 1 LASER product.
The CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT MARKING is
located on the rear exterior.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
KLASS 1 LASERAPPARAT
This caution
label is located
inside the unit.
} INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
CAUTION AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM,
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ADVARSEL IKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF FUNKTION.
tnoaA \UDS ZTTELSE FOR STRALING.
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Welcome !
Thank you for putchasing the Sony Mini Hi-Fi Component System
This stereo system is packed with fun features. Here are just a few:
* DBFB (Dynamic Bass Feedback) system that boosts low frequency
range audio to provide deep, powerful bass through the two-way
bass reflex speakers
« A preset feature that lets you store and recall up to 30 of your
favorite radio stations
A graphic equalizer that lets you adjust the audio quality
* A dual tape deck that lets you record from the radio, CD player or
from the other tape deck
* A remote commander that lets you control the music from your
seat
About This Manual
The instructions in this manual are for MHC-450 and FH-B411
Before you start reading, check your model number. MHC-450 is
the model used for illustration purposes. Any differences are clearly
indicated in the text, for example, “FH-B411 only”

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Contents
Chapter 1: Setting Up
Connecting the Stereo 4
Inserting the Batteries 5
Chapter 2: the CD Player
Playing a CD (normal play) 6
Playing Tracks in Random Order (shuffle play) 7
Playing Tracks in the Desired Order (program play) 7
Playing Tracks Repeatedly (repeat play) 8
Chapter 3: the Radio
Listening to the Radio 9
Presetting Radio Stations 9
Playing Preset Radio Stations 10
Chapter 4: the Tape Player
Playing a Tape 11
RecordingaCD 11
Recording a CD: Specifying Tape Length (time edit) 12
Recording a CD: Specifying Track Order (program edit) 12
Recording From the Radio 13
Recording From Another Tape (dubbing) 13
Chapter 5: Sound Adjustment
Adjusting the Sound 14
Adjusting the Sound Quality 14
Chapter 6: Additional Features
Connecting Optional Equipment 15
Microphone Mixing (for FH-B411 only) 15
Karaoke: Singing Along (for FH-B411 only) 15
For Your Information
Precautions 16
Troubleshooting Guide 16
Maintenance 17
Specifications 17
Index to Parts and Controls 18
Index Back cover

4
Chapter 1:
Connecting the Stereo
Inserting the Batteries
Chapter 1: Setting up
[eee
Connecting the Stereo
Use the illustrations below to connect your
stereo. MHC-450 is the model used for the
whole illustrations of the stereo in this
manual,
Connecting the
Speakers (MHC-450 only)
1 Twist the speaker cable coating and strip
it from the end of the cable.
a
2 Connect the right speaker to the R
connectors and the left speaker to the L
connectors.
When you attach the speakers to the
unit (FH-B411 only)
Slide the speaker box so that it locks onto
the body of the unit.
Connecting the
Antenna
FM lead antenna (supplied for MHC-450)*
AM loop antenna (supplied)
* Note: Extend it horizontally.
To improve the FM reception
Connect an outdoor FM antenna to the FM
75Q and + terminals, using a 75-ohm
coaxial cable.
FM
75Q
tr
ae
tr
75-ohm coaxial cable
AM
(not supplied)
To improve the AM reception
After you connect the AM antenna, connect
a 6- to 15-meter (20- to 50-feet) insulated
wire to the AM terminal. Connect the
terminal to earth
Important
Ground the external antenna against
lightning. To prevent explosion, do not
connect the ground wire to a gas pipe.
Insulated wires (not supplied)
Ground wire

AM loop antenna (supplied)
Right speaker
to a wall outlet je
Connecting the
Power
Connect the power lead to a wall outlet
after you have made all the above
connections.
to a wall outlet
Caution
Before you power on the stereo, turn
VOLUME control counterclockwise to
decrease sound level.
Inserting the Batteries
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries in the
supplied remote commander for remote
control.
1 Open the lid.
2 Insert two size AA (R6) batteries.
Match the + and — indications with those
inside the battery compartment.
3 Close the lid.
* This illustration shows MHC-450.
* The FH-B411 model is equipped
with a handle for portability.
The handle pops out when you
press PUSH on the top of the unit.
¢ The FH-B411 model is equipped
with a Telescopic antenna and
speaker code.
Battery life
You can expect the remote commander to
operate for about six months (using Sony
SUM-3 (NS) batteries) before the batteries
run down, When the batteries no longer
operate the commander, replace all the
batteries with new ones.
To avoid battery leakage
If you are not going to use the commander
for a long time, remove the batteries to
avoid damage caused by corrosion from
battery leakage.
Chapter 1: Setting up

Playing a CD (normal play)
Playing Tracks in Random
Order (shuffle play)
Playing Tracks in the
Desired Order
(programme play)
Playing Tracks Repeatedly
(repeat play)
6 Chapter 2: the CD Player
Se ee
Playing a CD (normal
play)
You can play CDs in four modes: normal,
shuffle, programme and repeat. The mode
decides which tracks (songs) you will listen
to, in which order and whether or not they
will repeat.
You can operate the stereo system on the
unit or from the supplied remote
commander.
Also, the CD player plays 12 cm (5 inch)
and 8 cm (3 inch) CDs. If the CD is
supplied with an adaptor, remove it before
playing the CD.
Before you play the CD, decrease the sound
level by turning VOLUME control
counterclockwise, not to damage the
speakers.
SYSTEM POWER-*ON
SYSTEM POWER
1 Press CD.
2 Press 2 OPEN/CLOSE to open the CD
tray.
3 Holding the CD by its edge, place the
CD on the CD tray with the label side
up. (When you play an 8 cm CD, place
it on the inner circle of the CD tray.)
4 Press > (play) (B& on the remote
commander)
The CD tray closes and play starts.
Track number Playing time
air
Music calendar
5 Adjust the volume.
Turn VOLUME control clockwise to
turn up the volume, or counterclockwise
to turn it down. (Or press VOL (+/-) on
the remote commander.)
To press
Stop play a
Pause O0 (on)
Resume play > or 00 (B or 18")
Remove the CD & OPEN/CLOSE
“Remote commander
To find the beginning of a track
— Automatic Music Sensor (AMS)
You can locate the beginning of a track
while the track is playing or while it is in
pause mode.
To locate the beginning of the current or
preceeding track, press <<] (or K#4 on the
remote commander) repeatedly until you
find the desired track.
To locate the beginning of the succeeding
track , press Dl (or PPI on the remote
commander) repeatedly until you find the
desired track.
To find a point in a track
You can find a particular point in a track
while the track is playing or while it is in
pause mode. Use the buttons on the unit to
operate this feature.
This operation is not possible with the
remote commander.
Note on pause mode
The minute and second indication appears
in the display and remains there to indicate
that the unit is in the pause mode,

To Do this
Find forward Hold down Pi and
quickly ina release it at the desired
track point.
Go backwards Hold down IKK) and
quickly ina release it at the desired
track point.
Search quickly Press 0 and hold down
without I< or DDI. Press > or
listening OU again at the desired
point.
To check the remaining or total
playing time
Use the TIME button on the player.
To check Press
Remaining TIME once during play.
time in a track = ms
a: aa 436 ae
Remaining TIME twice during play
time inthe CD __ of the tracks left.
Total playing TIME in stop mode.
time =
wud 43 ie
appears for a few seconds
Notes
* You can check the remaining time during
normal, shuffle and programme play.
* The total playing time and number of
tracks also appear in the display when
you press & OPEN/CLOSE to close the
CD tray.
Notes on handling discs
*To keep the disc clean, handle the disc by
its edge. Do not touch the surface.
* Do not stick paper or tape onto the disc.
* Do not expose the CD to direct sunlight or
heat sources such as hot air ducts, nor
leave it in a car parked in direct sunlight
as there can be a considerable rise in
temperature inside the car.
If there is no CD in the player
“no dISC” appears in the display when you
press >.
es
Playing Tracks in
Random Order
(shuffle play)
You can play all the tracks on the CD in
random order. Use the buttons on the unit
to do this operation.
SYSTEM POWER—-ON
2 Press SHUFFLE.
“SHUFFLE” appears in the display.
3 Press >,
“©” appears and then all the tracks
play in random order.
To stop playing
Press @.
To cancel shuffle play
Press CONTINUE.
“SHUFFLE” disappears from the display,
and tracks continue playing in their original
order,
_ Ee eee
Playing Tracks in the
Desired Order
(programme play)
You can programme up to 24 tracks to play
in any order you choose. Use the buttons
on the unit to do this operation.
SYSTEM POWER-+ON
1 Press CD.
2 Press PROGRAM.
“PROGRAM” appears in the display.
3 Press IAC or DD! to choose a track.
The track number and the total playing
time appear in the display. If you want
to choose this track, go to the next step.
If not, press <I or D1 again to choose
another track.
Track number Total playing time
ical
4 Press PROGRAM.
The chosen track number and playing
order light up in the music calendar. If
the track number, the playing order and
the total playing time disappear before
you press PROGRAM, go back to step 3.
Note
If “--.--" appears instead of the total
playing time during programming or
during play, this means the total
programmed time has exceeded 100
minutes.
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 to programme the
remaining tracks you want to be played
in the desired order.
6 Press > (B on the remote
commander).
All the tracks play in the order you
chose.
To Press
Check the CHECK repeatedly*.
programme
Programme a pause [0** (#1)***
Stop play a
Cancel the CONTINUE****
programme play
Erase a track from _ CLEAR in stop mode.
the end
Erase a specific CHECK repeatedly
track so the number of the
track lights up, and
press CLEAR.
Erase the entire @ once in stop mode.
programme @ twice during play.
* — After the last track appeared, “END”
will appear in the display.
** “P” appears in the display and the total
playing time is reset to 0.
*** Remote commander
**** The programme has been erased and
the play continues in normal play
mode.
continue to next page >
Chapter 2: the CD Player | 7

> continued
To change the order of programmed
tracks
To change the order, erase the entire
programme and create a new one.
To check the total remaining time of
Hi programmed tracks
Press TIME once to see the remaining
time of the track being played.
2 Press TIME again to see the remaining
play time of the whole programme.
3 Press TIME once more to return to the
initial display.
Playing Tracks
Repeatedly (repeat
play)
You can choose between two different
repeat play modes, One repeats all the
tracks in the current play mode; the other
repeats a single track. Use the buttons on
the unit to do this operation.
SYSTEM POWER-+ON
Repeating all the tracks (in any play
mode)
1 Press CD.
2 Press REPEAT once so that “REPEAT”
lights up in the display.
3 Press > (® on the remote
commander),
" Chapter 2: the CD Player
Repeating a single track (in normal
play mode only)
Press REPEAT twice while playing the
desired track so that “REPEAT 1” lights up
in the display.
rex St
Arey
12a Tee eee
To cancel repeat play
Press REPEAT so that “REPEAT” or
“REPEAT 1” disappears from the display.

Chapter 3:
the
st lelle
Listening to the Radio
Presetting Radio Stations
Playing Preset Radio
Stations
aS
Listening to the Radio
When you want to play a radio program,
you can have the tuner automatically scan
the radio frequencies and tune in the
stations with clear signals (except SW
band). This feature saves your time in
searching for stations with clear signals.
However, stations with weak signals may
be skipped by automatic tuning. Manually
tune in the ones skipped by automatic
tuning and SW band stations.
SYSTEM POWER—-ON
1 Press TUNER
2 Press BAND repeatedly until the band
you want appears in the display
As you press BAND, the band changes
as follows:
U.S. A. and Canadian models:
Sea |
Australian model:
preceente ear
3 Make sure that the PRESET indicator is
off. If the indicator is on, press
PRESET/TUNING to turn off
4 Press TUNER (+/-) more than one
second so that “AUTO” appears in the
display. (When you select SW in step 2
“AUTO” dose not appear. Manually
tune in an SW band station.)
The tuner starts scanning radio
frequencies automatically, and stops
when it finds a clear station
5 ir you do not want to listen to the station
selected, press TUNER (+/—) more than
one second so that “AUTO” appears in
the display
The tuner starts scanning radio
frequencies automatically, and stops
when it finds a clear station.
When the desired station is not
tuned in
Automatic tuning may skip the station with
a weak signal. Tune in the station
manually.
Press TUNER (+/—) repeatedly to tune in
your favorite station.
To improve AM broadcast reception
Reorientate the supplied AM loop antenna
for AM (MW and SW)
AM (MWI/SW)
To change the AM tuning interval
The AM tuning interval is preset to 9 kHz
for Australia, 10 kHz for the United States
and Canada in the factory. If you need to
change the interval, do as follows:
1. Turn on the power.
2 Tune in any AM station
3 Turn off the power
4 Turn the power back on while pressing
TUNER (+).
After changing the AM tuning interval,
reset the preset AM stations. To reset the
interval to the factory setting, follow the
same procedure.
When an FM program is not clear to receive
Press MONO so that “MONO” appears in
the display. There will be no stereo effect,
but the reception will improve. Press
MONO again to restore the stereo effect
For FH-B411 only:
Adjust the length and direction of the
telescopic antenna for FM
———— Se
Presetting Radio
Stations
You can store radio frequencies in the
tuner’s memory to tune in your favourite
stations quickly. You can preset up to 30
stations with FM and AM (MW and SW)
collectively in any order by specifying a
code. The code is a combination of a letter
(A, Bor C) and a number (0 to 9): Al,
A2,...ete J
Use the buttons on the unit for presetting
stations.
continue to next page >
Chapter 3; the Radio
9

1 Make sure that the PRESET indication is
off. If the indicator is on, press
PRESET /TUNING to turn off.
2 Press BAND to select the desired band.
3 Press TUNER(+/~ to tune in the station
you want to store.
4 Press MEMORY.
“MEMORY” and a letter (A, B or C)
appear in the display.
5 Decide on a letter (A, B or C) for the
radio station, Press SHIFT to display the
letter you have decided on.
The last memorized number of the code
appears.
last memorized code
6 Press MEMORY.
“MEMORY” disappears, and the station
is stored at the code you have decided
on.
7 Repeat steps 2 to 6 for each station you
want to store.
To erase a stored station
Storing a new station at a previously used
code will erase the old station and replace it
with the new station.
If you have trouble storing a station
Make sure “MEMORY” is lit in the display.
If not, press MEMORY again so that
“MEMORY” lights up (for about eight
seconds) in the display, and then proceed
with steps 5 and 6.
10 anal
if you made a mistake
Press MEMORY again and then proceed
with steps 5 and 6.
ss
Playing Preset Radio
Stations
Once you have preset the stations, use the
PRESET/TUNING button to quickly tune
in your favorite stations.
SYSTEM POWER-+ON
1 Press PRESET/TUNING to enter the
preset mode.
"PRESET" and a code appear.
2 Press SHIFT to select a desired letter of
the code,
3 Press TUNER (+/-) (or PRESET (+/-)
on the remote commander) to tune ina
preset station.
The station frequency appears and the
station begins broadcasting.